Josh Nelson at the Blue Whale

An L.A. native who's been a fixture around town with the likes of Peter Erskine, Anthony Wilson and veteran trumpeter-vocalist Jack Sheldon, pianist Josh Nelson sounds poised for national prominence on his fifth album as a bandleader, "Discoveries." Though packed with nods to the vintage sci-fi of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne, the album's sound feels grounded in the now, with rich ensemble playing and a gracefully ambitious compositional voice. Here he performs with a nimble quartet that features guitarist Larry Koonse. The Blue Whale, 123 Astronaut E. S. Onizuka St., Suite 301. L.A. 9 p.m Sat. http://www.bluewhalemusic.com.